In Donetsk region, Russian drones are distributing propaganda leaflets in the form of money on the eve of 9 May. They were found in Kramatorsk and Sloviansk. The authorities urge citizens not to respond to provocations and to report such incidents to the police or the SBU.
Russia drops propaganda leaflets with money from drones in Donetsk region
On the eve of 9 May, Russian troops intensified information and psychological operations in eastern Ukraine. In particular, in Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, there have been cases of drones dropping flyers and leaflets stylised as banknotes. These posters call for siding with the Russian Federation, discredit the Ukrainian government, and promise monetary rewards for cooperation.
У The Centre for Countering Disinformation point out that many of these flyers have QR codes, which are strongly discouraged. Residents of the region are urged to report any findings to the police or via the SBU chatbot to prevent the spread of Russian propaganda and avoid possible security risks.
Similar cases in Sumy, Kharkiv and Chernihiv regions
This is not the first time such information attacks have been recorded in the frontline regions. Previously, fake money with disinformation appeals was dropped from drones in the cities of Sumy, Kharkiv and Chernihiv regions. In each case, the Russian side uses familiar narratives: promises of material benefits, attempts to discredit the Ukrainian government, and calls for cooperation with the occupiers.
According to local media, such leaflets often contain elements that may pose a threat to information security, such as QR codes for collecting personal data or linking to dangerous resources. All of these cases are seen as part of a broader campaign of psychological pressure on the civilian population and attempts to destabilise the situation in frontline cities.
Reaction of the Ukrainian authorities and law enforcement agencies
The regional authorities and national agencies respond promptly to the appearance of such leaflets. The Anti-Disinformation Action Centre emphasises that links or QR codes contained in the leaflets should not be followed. Citizens are advised to report such findings to the police or through a special SBU chatbot so that experts can promptly remove hazardous materials.
Law enforcement officers are conducting outreach to the public, especially in areas where there is a high risk of information provocations. The monitoring of social media and local groups has also been intensified to quickly identify and localise such cases.
Why it matters
Distribution of propaganda leaflets in the form of money - is part of Russia's hybrid war against Ukraine. Such actions are aimed at demoralising the population, undermining trust in the Ukrainian authorities and provoking a split in society. Especially on the eve of 9 May, which has a sacred meaning in Russian propaganda, such operations are becoming widespread.
Informing citizens about the dangers of such flyers and providing clear instructions on how to act if they are found helps to reduce the effectiveness of Russian information attacks. A timely response from the authorities and law enforcement is key to maintaining stability and security in the frontline regions.
